Modern border security must pair advanced technology with specialized personnel and international collaboration to effectively address rising threats such as human trafficking, the head of a global border management association said this week.
Sharon Ayley, CEO of the International Border Management and Technologies Association (IBMATA), highlighted the Philippines’ recent strides toward modernization during a briefing with the media. Ayley, who is currently in the country to meet with various government officials, noted visible upgrades at national gateways, stressing that technology has evolved from a luxury into a strategic necessity.
“Technology must be deployed intelligently, ethically, and collaboratively,” Ayley said. She pointed to concrete advances in the local landscape: “You now have e-gates, which weren't here last time I came, and the introduction of a new advanced passenger information system.” According to Ayley, these tools have not only reduced queue times but have significantly bolstered national security.
On operational priorities, Ayley emphasized the shift toward data-driven targeting. She noted that real-time data integration—combining travel history, behavioral indicators, and watch lists—is critical in a modern setting.
She explained that Artificial Intelligence (AI) and biometrics can help "flag unusual travel patterns" and ensure individuals "are who they claim to be," providing a vital layer of defense against human trafficking syndicates. However, she cautioned that technology is not a silver bullet.
“We need to be utilizing these technologies, but we also need to be investing in our officers,” she said, noting that human intuition and training remain irreplaceable.
For an archipelagic nation like the Philippines, security concerns extend far beyond airports to vast seaports and land crossings. Ayley urged for standardization and equal access to systems across all ports of entry. This ensures that officers at remote seaports have the same real-time information and tools as those stationed at major international airports.
Within the ASEAN setting, where cross-border movement is a pillar of regional economy and integration, Ayley called for heightened regional cooperation and intelligence sharing.
“Cross-border threats require cross-border solutions. No single country, agency, or vendor has all the answers,” she remarked. She recommended the development of trusted-traveler corridors and robust data-sharing arrangements across Southeast Asia to speed up legitimate travel while relieving pressure on frontline border officers.
Ayley warned of the inherent risks regarding cybersecurity and data misuse. She emphasized that such sophisticated systems must be backed by clear legal frameworks, minimized data usage, secure storage, and transparency to maintain public trust.
While IBMATA does not sell technology, Ayley described the association’s role as a non-profit convenor. It brings together governments, private industry, and international organizations to share best practices and case studies, allowing countries like the Philippines to make informed, evidence-based choices regarding technology and operational reforms.
IBMATA is a global non-profit organization dedicated to the advancement of border management. It acts as a neutral platform where government agencies, border police, and technology providers can collaborate.
